This paper presents the design schemes for the improvement of force characteristics in a controlled permanent magnet liner synchronous motor (Controlled-PM LSM). The dependence of motor performance on the various design schemes, such as the slot shapes, the magnetization patterns of permanent magnet and the skewing, has been investigated in detail by using finite element method (FEM). The analysis results are verified by the experiment that is performed by a testing machine. From this study, it is known that the skewing of the magnet is the most efficient method in the aspects of detent force reduction and higher force density.